Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus- They are not such as you. First Cit. In this our fabric, if that they— Men. What then? 'Fore me, this fellow speaks!-what then? what then? First Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd, Who is the sink o' the body, Men. Well, what then? First Cit. The former agents,(9) if they did complain, What could the belly answer? Men. I will tell you; If you'll bestow a small-of what you've little- Note me this, good friend; Your most grave belly was deliberate, Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd: Which you do live upon; and fit it is, I send it(11) through the rivers of your blood, Even to the court, the heart,-to the seat o' the brain; And, through the cranks and offices of man, The strongest nerves and small inferior veins Whereby they live: and though that all at once, You, my good friends," this says the belly, mark me,— First Cit. Ay, sir; well, well. Men. 66 See what I do deliver out to each, Though all at once can not Yet I can make my audit up, that all From me do back receive the flour of all, And leave me but the bran."-What say you to't? But it proceeds or comes from them to you, And no way from yourselves.-What do you think,— First Cit. I the great toe! why the great toe? Men. For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest, Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost: But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs: Enter CAIUS MARCIUS. Hail, noble Marcius! Mar. Thanks.-What's the matter, you dissentious. First Cit. rogues, We have ever your good word. Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is, A sick man's appetite, who desires most that Which would increase his evil. He that depends And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust ye!(15) Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter, You cry against the noble senate, who, Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else Would feed on one another?-What's their seeking? Mar. Hang 'em! They say! They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise, Who thrives, and who declines; side factions, and give out Conjectural marriages; making parties strong, And feebling such as stand not in their liking Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's grain enough! Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high As I could pick my lance. Men. Nay, these are almost(17) thoroughly persuaded ; For though abundantly they lack discretion, Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you, Mar. They are dissolv'd: hang 'em! They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,— That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not They vented their complainings; which being answer'd, And make bold power look pale-they threw their caps Men. What is granted them? Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments! Enter a Messenger, hastily. Mess. Where's Caius Marcius? Mar. Here: what's the matter? Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms. Mar. I'm glad on 't; then we shall ha' means to vent Our musty superfluity.-See, our best elders. Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VElutus. First Sen. Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us,The Volsces are in arms. Mar. And were I any thing but what I am, I'd wish me only he. Com. You have fought together. Mar. Were half to half the world by th' ears, and he Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make Only my wars with him he is a lion That I am proud to hunt. First Sen. Attend upon Cominius to these wars. Then, worthy Marcius, Sir, it is; Com. It is your former promise. And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face. Tit. No, Caius Marcius; I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with t'other, Men. O, true-bred! First Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know, Our greatest friends attend us. Tit. [to Com.] Lead you on. [To Mar.] Follow Cominius: we must follow you; Right worthy you priority.(21) Com. Noble Marcius! First Sen. [to the Citizens] Hence to your homes; be Mar. gone! Nay, let them follow: The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow. [Exeunt all except Brutus and Sicinius. The Citizens steal away. Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? Bru. He has no equal. Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people,- Sic. Nay, but his taunts. Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods. Bru. The present wars devour him! He is grown Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Bru. Fame, at the which he aims,- Besides, if things go well, Sic. |